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Chapter Text

Here on the edge of Futaleufu River sixteen teenage boys start their journey in hopes of winning a million dollars.

•••

The water rapidly beat against sharp jagged rocks causing a light mist to accompany them. They stepped out the plane taking in the scenery. Most never stepping a foot out of Japan to find themselves halfway across the world. Stepping on South American soil.

Tall lucious trees were on all sides. Boulders sat stagnant in the middle of the river blocking the water’s course. The river was empty due to being bought out by their host Buratsuta Hirotoshi.

“Welcome to Patagonia, Chile. Home of the Torres del Paine National Park, amazing wildlife that continues to amaze, and breathtaking scenery. But your not here for all that.” Hirotoshi waved his hand dismissively. “You’re here to win a million dollars!”

•••

The screen crackled before fading into a raggedy room. It had plungers and brooms stuffed in a corner. It was a little dusty and a cobweb could be seen.

A boy with teal hair (that had a wisp that just wouldn’t lay down) that matched his eyes almost exactly came on the screen. “Yo Hiori” was written in the bottom right.

He smilied and said “Mom dad I just want to let you know that when I win the million I won’t be coming back.”

•••

He continued on albeit disappointed at the lack of applause.

“But before I explain your challenge I’m splitting you up into two teams: heroes and villains. We’ve surveyed immediate family and close friends to differentiate your personalities.”

•••

The same background as before was shown. But this time a different person appeared.

His hair was dark almost midnight blue. His eyes were still blue but brighter. The name “Yochi Isagi” was in the corner this time.

He pointed at himself.

“I’m definitely going to be on the hero team.”

•••

“Villains are as listed:

Charles Cheavalier

Ikki Niko

Itoshi Rin

Itoshi Sae

Micheal Kaiser

Ryuusei Shidou

Shoei Baro

and finally Yochi Isagi.

•••

Isagi is back on the screen now. He looks upset.

“I bet this is about “slursagi.” He uses quotations around the word slursagi. “Just because I get a little intense at times doesn’t automatically make me a villain Tada. Yeah I know it was you you *bleep* little *bleeeep* *bleep*.”

He sits back with his arms crossed around his chest and lets out a huff.

•••

Ryuusei Shidou as the name tag says smirks at the camera. His hair is blonde with pink tips and his eyes are hot pink.

“I got the hottie on my team! I ain’t religious but I sure as hell was praying for that. Now don’t get me wrong I ain’t sacrificing that million dollars for him but…” He bits his lips and tries to suppress a smile. It doesn’t work.

•••

“The heroes consists of:

Aoshi Tokimitsu

Gin Gagamaru

Kenju Yukimiya

Mikage Reo

Nijiro Nanase

Rensuke Kunigami

Tsurugi Zantestsu

and Yo Hiori

•••

Aoshi Tokimitsu was on screen now. He was trembling and hunched in a way that showed his cowardice.

“I’m g-glad I wasn’t o-on t-the villain team. I don’t t-think I’d m-make it v-very far.”

•••

“Now for your first challenge you see those rafts?” He pointed to a blood red and pure white raft. “White is for heroes and red is for villains. Each raft is filled with four pairs of heels. Before your raft can touch the water all four riders needs those heels on. Now you may be thinking four? We have eight people on our team. Well the other four will be up there.” He pointed on top of a hill. The camera zoomed in you can see water balloons in a pile and a wall of twigs.

“Throwing those balloons filled with whipped cream at the other team every time they mess up.”

A boy raised his hand. His headband was white and pushed up of his forehead. His silky black hair laid over it a bit.

“Yes Nanase?”

“Um mess up what?”

“Oh did I forget to mention you’ll be Irish dancing while on the raft.”

A collective “what?” sounded.

“You didn’t think you could win a million dollars by wearing high heels while white water rafting in the most dangerous river or by throwing balloons did you?”

He was answered with silence which showed they all did indeed think that.

“Well you won’t. The winner of this challenge gets immunity and a luxurious hotel stay at Nothofagus Hotel. And the losing team will vote off a player and sleep here.”

•••

Itoshi Sae sat with impeccable posture. Hands neatly folded and legs crossed. His nose scrub teaches in disgust as he took in his surroundings.

“He couldn’t possibly mean here here. Right?”

•••

“And yes I mean here here. On this slab of rock we’re standing on.”

•••

Itoshi Sae is back on.

He opened his mouth and closed it. And opened it again and sighed. He picked the bridge of his nose and looked down.

“I swear if I have a *bleep* team.”

•••

Chapter Text

“I lowkey just want to wear the heels so I’ll go. One less for y’all to decide.” Shidou said.

“No we’re being strategic. Raise your hand if you know how to Irish dance?”

“Raise our hands. What are we vier?”

“Well at least he’s not german.”

“What the hell does that mean.”

The camera zones in on Shidou and Kaiser bickering.

•••

Shidou but his nail and spit it out.

“He knows *bleep* well what it means.”

•••

Kaiser is on the screen.

“Well at least he’s not german.” Kaiser said in a mocking voice.

“Nun, zumindest bin ich es nicht *bleep* asiatisch.

•••

“Guys stop if we lose because of your *bleeep* *bleep* roach *bleep* *bleeep* I swear to god were burning whichever one of you we don’t vote off for warmth.”

•••

Kaiser on the screen again. This time smiling.

“You know I was wondering why he was on the villain team.”

•••

“A minute left to decide positions.” Hirotoshi said. He had a chair set up and a tall lanky man on the left and a pretty pink-haired girl on the right.

“Let’s just rock, paper, scissors. Losers throw winners dance.” Niko offered.

The first round Niko lost. The second Charles and Barou. And finally Isagi.

A sharp whistle sounded.

The lanky man grabbed a chalk from a bag that seemed to appear out of nowhere. He drew a purple line going from one end of the slab to the other.

“This is the starting line. Dancers line up. Throwers find a way up that mountain.”

•••

Barou is on the screen for the first time.

He looked at the screen face deep in thought.

“You mean there’s not a path.”

•••

Shidou, Sae, Rin, and Kaiser lined up. While the others start climbing up a hill.

“Ready. On your mark. Get set… goat!”

Shidou and Kaiser bolted stopping at the raft before realizing.

“God *bleep* it!”

“*bleep*!”

They jogged back to the starting line. Hirotoshi snickered.

“Ok ok. On your mark. Get set. Go!”

They sprinted across the line to the raft.

“If any of you *bleep* steal the left pink heel I’m killing you.” Shidou yelled tugging on a pink bedazzled platformed heel.

“Ich will das Rote!” Kaiser said wobbling in one heel.

Sae was in the raft all the way scrummaging for something.

Shidou found the left heel under the front seat while Kaiser found his under the oar.

Rin was on the rock trying to fit his foot in a heel that was obviously too small.

“You with the antennas. Give me your heels their too big on you anyway.”

“No way dude. Do you see how good this make my ankles look.”

Shidou angled and modeled his ankles.

“Just push Rin.” Sae said now fully decked out in dark blue sling backs.

•••

Rin sat on the chair. He was obviously upset by his face.

“He did not just say that.”

•••

“Rin get your *bleep* gorilla feet into those *bleep* heels. The other team is already in the water.” Sae said wobbling in his heels. Arms out as a possible brace watching Shidou strut pass to help Rin.

•••

Sae’s legs were crossed showcasing his heels.

“How the hell is he doing doing that?”

•••

Shidou put his heels on display before causally shrugging.

“I used to steal my moms heels and walk in them. It’s really not that hard.”

•••

Shidou was pulling the edge of the heel over Rin’s ankle. Kaiser was pushing his ankle down into it. And Sae was still trying to walk in his heels.

“Got it!”

“Here.” Hirotoshi threw a tablet showing an Irish dance. Rin sat in in front of the raft were they could all see. Everybody except Shidou went in the raft. Shidou stayed behind to push since he was the best in heels.

He climbed in as the raft hit the water. At first the water lightly rocked the boat. But the deeper they got the rougher the boat rocked. They kicked their legs up horizontals and clicked the heel on the seat.

The balloon slices through the wind as it was sent hurtling towards Rin’s head.

“Ow you *bleep* *bleep!” The whip cream covered the left side of his face. He darted his tongue out to catch a little.

They cross clicked their heels.

Another ballon was sent hurtling but it missed and splashed into the water.

The raft hit a rock and they all feel backward.

Balloons rained on them as they tried to get up. Whip cream making the whole ordeal sticky and difficult. The raft hit another rock and Sae sent hurtling off.

•••

Sae was frowning and upset as he sat.

“*bleep* it. If we loose I’ll be the first one to go if someone else doesn’t mess up.”

•••

Sae kicked his heels off once he reached shore. The camera zoomed in on him walking up the mountain.

The camera moved back to the villain team. Rin was no longer on the raft.

Shidou dodged as a balloon was thrown at him and it hit Kaiser in the face.

•••

“Are those *bleep* seriously arguing right now!”

Isagi looked down at the train wreck that was happening on their raft. Shidou aimed his heel at Kaiser’s feet causing him to misstep and get hit with a whip cream balloon.

“We should’ve chose literally anyone but them.” Niko said reaching for a balloon.

He grabbed one and seconds later heard the a bunch of plopping.

“Did you just knock over our whole supply of balloons you *bleep* nerd!” Barou yelled pushing Niko.

•••

Sae looked at the screen proudly. He picked at his nails and gave them a once over.

“Sure we may lose… but I won’t.”

•••

Niko looked from the left to the right. He leaned back and shook his leg.

“I know I didn’t knock over those balloons.”

He looked at his legs and stilled them. They started again a second later.

“I know I didn’t.”

•••

Nanase messed up on his click time and Niko threw the last balloon at his head successfully knocking him over.

“Do any of you have balloons left?” Niko asked.

Isagi held his hand out with two balloons in it and everyone else was empty handed.

“We only have two balloons left we need to carefully plan this. Who is the biggest problem on the other team?” Isagi asked.

“I would say Kunigami and Reo.” Answered Charles.

Being the best thrower they gave the balloons to Niko.

The first missed and landed on a rock. The second hit its mark and caused Kunigami to slip and fall.

The camera zoomed in on him and replayed it in slo-mo. It showed the impact of the the ballon then the slow fall.

The camera moved back to Shidou and Kaiser. They clicked in sync and kicked their legs up. The edge of the river was in sight.

“Dude I can see the finish.”

“Don’t call me dude!”

“Ugh grow up dude!”

The other teams boat passed them. Kaiser looked over to see their balloon inventory was depleted.

“Throw your shoes!”

Rin sat and struggled to get out of his heels.

“Ugh the hot brother throw your shoes.”

Sae grabbed his heels and threw them landing them perfectly on the boat.

Still dancing Shidou grabbed one winded up and threw it at the raft. If poked it and bounced into the water.

“Move. Let a real thrower show you how it’s done..” Kaiser said while grabbing a shoe.

He winded up and threw.

“Ow you little *bleep* *bleep* watch where you throwing!” Isagi said rubbing his forehead.

“You should try out for a pitcher on the MLB.”

“Shut up!”

“Rin do you finally have your heel off your oversized feet? Add a sharp rock on the bottom.

The answer presented itself it heel to his head. Luckily not the pointy rock side.

•••

Rin pouted animatedly.

“I missed.”

•••

Shidou threw it and it landed in the raft. Deflating it on contact.

“Yes!”

•••

Shidou entered the screen. He was grinning from ear to ear.

“I’m awesome. I know you don’t have to tell me.”

•••

It was smooth sailing back to the shore.

“Team Villains have the first challenge making a miraculous come back from their rocky start. Here are the room keys. I got four rooms so buddy up.”

Hirotoshi dropped four blue card keys into Shidou’s hand.

•••

Kaiser put his hair in a ponytail.

“I guess he doesn’t know we cheated.”

•••

Niko was on the screen up close fixing his hair. He sat back on the chair upon realizing it was on.

“I’m so glad we won. If we didn’t I would’ve for sure went home.”

•••

Extra:
The cabin was definitely luxury. It was very nature though. Branch and trees as far as the eye could see. It was a struggle trying to understand their Spanish though.

The camera zones in on Shidou making a circle with his arms and Charles jumping through. When he comes out he does jazz hands.

“What are they doing?” Rin asked.

“Trying to act out a bathroom.” Answered Kaiser.

Chapter Text

“Who thinks they’d be the best at throwing?” Reo asked as the stood in a huddle.

Tokimitsu raised his hand then put it immediately back down.

“You! I saw that. Are you good at throwing?”

“U-um I-I’ve been told that I-I am.”

“Good we got one we need three more throwers.”

“I’d be better at throwing than dancing.” Yukimiya said.

Nobody else volunteered.

“I guess il-“

“Me and Hiori will throw.” Gagamaru said.

•••

Reo was on screen. He eyebrows were scrunched together.

“*bleep* it!”

He raked his hand through his hair.

“I can’t swim but if I tell them I’ll be the first one voted off.”

He sighed.

•••

“A minute left to decide positions!”
Hirotoshi said.

They didn’t look up from their huddle.

“Zantestsu since you’re the fastest you’ll run ahead and organize the heels in pairs. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“The biggest competition on the Villian team seems to be those three.” Reo pointed to Shidou, Rin, and Isagi. “Aim for them.”

The bell sounded. The tall man next to Hirotoshi drew a line from left to right.

“This is the starting line. Dancers line up. Throwers find a way up that mountain.”

•••

Yukimiya was seating on the seat ridding with the brooms.

“What does he mean find a path?”

•••

The throwers raced up the side of the rocks. Gagamaru stayed as an anchor while the other three tried to climb.

All the dancers line up.

“Ready. On your mark. Get set… goat!”

Zantestsu stumbled forward but caught himself and walked back. They watched as Shidou and Kaiser sprint to the raft.

Reo quietly laughed to himself while Hirotoshi loudly laughed to himself.

“Ok ok. Get ready. Get set. Go!”

As planned Zantestsu sprinted ahead and by time everyone else made it the heels were neatly arranged.

He stood proudly.

“Anyways work jail well.”

“Do you mean “another job well done?”

His face was thoughtful.

“I think so.”

Reo found a purple pair that matched his hair and slid right into them.

“What are you doing put on your heels!”

“Oh! I was wondering what we needed those for.”

He picked black platformed heels. He tried to stand but immediately fell and landed on his butt.

Kunigami helped him up. Surprisingly graceful for a buff guy.

•••

“Oh the heels. Well my boyfriend Chigiri wanted a traditional prom. You know suit and dress instead of suit and suit. And I was stuck with the dress and he wasn’t going to let me go in sneakers.”

•••

Nanase’s heels complimented him greatly. The baby blue against his pale legs. He wasn’t the greatest in them but he could walk.

“Everybody push!”

They pushed the raft into the water and hopped on.

“Wait the tablet.” Hirotoshi yelled throwing it at them.

“Hold my arm!” Kunigami yelled reaching for the terribly thrown tablet.

Once it was caught they put it securely in the front which was a struggle with the boat rocking.

Nanase was the first to be knocked off. The throw was brutal knocking him off balance. He made a big splash in the pond and got slammed against a rock.

•••

“Is it that easy to fall?” An edge of panic could be heard in Reo’s voice.

•••

“The rest of us need to link up. Kunigami in the middle as our anchor since you’re the biggest.”

During the talk they all missed there steps and got bombarded with balloons. The entire bottom of the boat was covered in whip cream making the boat slippery.

They all linked horizontally in the middle of the boat. Reo on the left, Kunigami in the middle, and Zantestsu on the right.

The camera zoned in on the throwers on the hill. Gagamaru tied pieces of vine together to make a slingshot and shot one at Shidou but he dodged and it hit Kaiser.

The slingshot added more power but it was harder to aim due to the tautness of the vines.

“Maybe try using less vines.” Hiori offered.

“I-I can throw w-while you fix the s-slingshot.” Tokimitsu offered.

Gagamaru picked up a sharp pebble and sawed the vines in half.

“Hiori you go find more vines. Yukimiya start untying that side of the slingshot and Tokimitsu throw.”

Tokimitsu nervously threw and it went straight into Zantestsu. Knocking them all down like a set of dominoes. Although no balloons were thrown then it still slowed their team down.

•••

Tokimitsu shakes and huddled in on himself.

“T-that it’s I-I’m going home. A-already.”

•••

“S-sorry!”

A ballon plopped into the water by their raft. The next thing they knew Kunigami was in the water.

Reo slid as they hit a rock he clutched onto the edge of the raft tightly. Once Zantestsu noticed he pulled Reo back up.

•••

“I just saw my life flash before my eyes.

He shuddered.

“I’m not dying before I confess. I won’t allow it.” He muttered to himself determined.

•••

Only Zantestsu and Reo were left. The other team only had two left too. The end of the river was near. They weren’t in front by a lot but it was still a lead. They would win.

“Zantestsu we’ve got this in the bag!”

Zantestsu and Reo both looked down as they felt a cold senstation.

“We’re sinking!”

Reo couldn’t care less about losing. He was in a good position. He was the unspoken leader and all his plans so far worked. They wouldn’t vote him off.

He hurriedly tugged his heels off and threw them haphazardly and lunged at a near by rock. He bear hugged it and slammed the right side of his face against it. He tried to find purchase of his feet but couldn’t.

“Kunigami! Gagamaru! Zantestsu?”

“Were coming! Grab on!”

A long green rope landed next to him. Reo slid down to reach it.

“I got it!”

They (Kunigami and Zantestsu) pulled him back.

“Why didn’t you let go. You have a clear shot you could’ve swam back.”

“Really?” Reo feigned shock in his voice. “I thought I would’ve slammed against the rocks like Nanase. I didn’t want to drag down the team by getting hurt.”

•••

“I-I saw it. The o-other t-team cheated. Should I t-tell? But what if t-there’s a-a merge later o-on that’d put a-a big t-target o-on me.”

•••
The whole team regathered and grabbed another raft and rowed to the finish line.

“Team Villains have the first challenge making a miraculous come back from their rocky start. Here are the room keys. I got four rooms so buddy up.”

He dropped keys in Shidou’s hand and Team Villian walked away.

“Now Team Losers” Hirotoshi cleared his throat aggressivly. “Sorry Team Heroes get comfy because this is home for the evening. Go gather all needed supplies because absolutely none will be provided for you. We meet back at five for eliminations.”

•••

Nanase pulled his shirt up to reveal a purple bruise on his rib. He lightly rubbed around it and pressed gently trying to gauge the pain. He winced and retracted his arm and pulled his shirt down.

“I was the first to fall off and I contributed nothing to the team. Sure Reo abandoned ship and is kinda the reason we list but he’s also the reason we made it this far. Tokimitsu accidentally hit our team but he also got out Rin and partially Sae. Me? I didn’t nothing beneficial. Nothing!”

He nursed his head in his hand.

“I can’t be the first voted off.”

He paused.

“Reo is easily the most influential person on our team. Maybe… maybe if I cozy up to him he’ll keep me.” Nanase let out a small smile.

“It’s a long shot though.”

•••

Gagamaru was in the room now. He leaned over himself seemingly squilike he was squished in the room.

“I’m pretty sure I laid below the radar and I was helpful this round. So I should be good. But me personally I’m voting for Nanase. He’s easily the best.” choice.”

•••

“If this were a video game I would… vote off Kunigami. He’s a big threat and I’d be easier to persuade people to vote him rather than Reo. But Reo will forever be the final boss.”

•••

“Hey Reo.”

Reo looked up and waved as he saw Nanase run up.

“Gagamaru already got more than enough fish already so I decided to see if you needed help.”

“Um… yeah. Can you help me figure out what counts as “fire wood.” Is it like a certain size or texture? Or do you just grab any stick.”

“I’m not an expert on the topic but I’m pretty sure you can use any type of wood.” Nanase let out an awkward laugh.

“So… do you have any idea who your going to vote out?”

•••

“So that is what this is about. I’m surprised that he thinks that highly of me. He thinks if he gets on my good side I can keep him in the game.”

He tapped his fingers on the sliver of seat next to him. Once he noticed he put his fingers in his lap.

“But if I strike an alliance with him that’s one easy vote my way.”

•••

“Zantestsu. He’s our weakest link after all. Don’t you think?”

Nanase dropped some sticks in the pile. “Y-yeah!”

“How about we work together. Since we have common interests.”

“Like an alliance?”

“Sure but we’ll need to keep it secret. Broadcasting it would put on the cutting block.”

•••

“It worked! It actually worked I’m in an alliance with Reo. That basically means I’ll at least be in the final five.”

•••

“We’re back with the firewood.”

The rest of the team sat in a circle.

“You were gone for a long time. Did something happen?” Hiori asked.

“I’m not really the outdoorsy type. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what makes firewood firewood.”

•••

“They definitely made an alliance. I want in. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. If I join the alliance I’ll know all of Reo’s moves. He won’t be able to pull the wool over my eyes then.”

•••

“Hey Reo I have to use the bathroom and who knows what’s out there. Buddy ystem?”

“Sure.”

Hiori and Reo strayed a little away from camp. Once sure they were out of hearing range Hiori started talking.

“I know you and Nanase started an alliance. I want in.”

•••

“*bleep* I am famous around here.”

•••

“Why?”

“Your smart can’t you see the potential?”

Reo stuck his hand out for Hiori to shake.

“Ok deal. We’re voting for Zantestsu.”

•••

“That was way too easy. He’s got something up his sleeve.”

•••

As they neared the camp the smell of fish wafted around. They had enough for two whole fishes for each person.

Five a’ clock rolled around faster than anticipated.

“Welcome to Elimination. Who will it be? Nanase who contributed absolutely nothing. Tokimitsu who indirectly eliminated one of his teammates. Or Reo who abandoned ship and any hope of winning.

The loser rides in the helicopter all the way back to Japan.”

Hirotoshi pointed at the helicopter they used to get here.

Kunigami finished voting and walked back to his seat.

“Now the votes are in. Who will go home?”

“Can you hurry up?” Hiori said shaking his leg in anticipation.

“Yeah yeah.” The tall lanky man brought over the box filled with their votes. Hirotoshi dipped his hand in the box.

“The first vote is for: Kunigami!”

“What?”

“Rensuke Kunigami: 1” appeared on the screen.

He dipped his hand in again.

“The next…Tokimitsu.”

“Aoshi Tokimitsu: 1” is under Kunigami.

“A vote for Nanase.”

Nanase looked at Reo whose smilied at him.

Nijiro Nanase: 1

Hirotoshi teasingly opened the vote then closed it then opened.

“Stop! Just open it.” Nanase yelled the nerves on getting to him.

“Ugh fine… one vote for Zantestsu.”

“Is that good or bad?”

Tsurugi Zantestsu: 1

“Oh another vote for Nanase.”

Nijiro Nanase: 2

“Ouch. Another vote for Zantestsu.”

Tsurugi Zantestsu: 2

“Oh one vote for Reo.”

Mikage Reo: 1

“Who voted for me?”

“The final vote is…Zantestsu. I’m sorry but this is the end of the line for you.”

Zantestsu trudged to the helicopter not bothering with a goodbye he wasn’t close enough with anyone.

•••

Hiori frowned.

“I voted for Kunigami. How can people not see he’s a threat? A way bigger one that Zantestsu. He could’ve been an easy vote later on.

But still I’m glad someone else voted for Zantestsu. It covered for me.”

•••

“I guess Hiori can actually be trusted.”

Chapter Text

The screen zoomed through all the rooms in the hotel landing in the bedroom. The camera zoomed into Shidou and Kaiser in a single bed. Their legs were crisscrossed and they were dancing each other. Shidou had on a shirt that ended halfway at his thigh and shorts. And Kaiser wore sweats and a sweatshirt.

“Bro hands out slurs like their Pokémon cards.”

“You would play with Pokémon cards.”

“Shut up dude. And it’s not like you can talk your German.”

“Say that one more time. Ein mal *bleep* noch.”

Their bickering was interrupted by a knock. They went to the door and looked out the peephole to see a couple of guard dogs? Rottweilers, Doberman, Bulls you name it.

The knocking continued. They both wandered around the hotel never straying from each other. Each too prideful to admit that they were terrified. The knocking seemed louder in their room.

“You go first.” Shidou said pushing Kaiser toward the door.

“Why me? You go first.”

“No way dude.”

“Why not you scared?” Kaiser teased although terrified himself.

“Why don’t we go together?”

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

Shidou walked to the door and looked to make sure Kaiser was close.

As soon as Shidou opened the door Kaiser pushed him in and wedged a chair in the door. Kaiser bolted for kitchen grabbing non perishables as fast as he could and locked himself in the bathroom.

•••

“*bleep* it! I forgot the water.”

•••

“That little *bleep*! He just left me! In a room with a potential ghost! I knew it! I knew since he opened his nasty little German mouth.”

•••

Shidou banged on the door.

“Kaiser you little *bleep* open the door! This isn’t funny!” He furiously jiggled the handle.

The knocking was definitely coming from this room.

“Weapon weapon.” Shidou muttered to himself.

“Shidouu.” A muffled voice said.

Shidou let out a yell of terror.

He banged on the door again.

“Open the door right now Kaiser. Open the *bleep* door!”

•••

Kaiser sat on the toilet seat eating beans with his hands.

“I’m so glad I closed the door so whatever is in there couldn’t get out. As an extra precaution I poured salt on the bottom of the door.”

•••

“Why is there nothing potentially life threatening in this room!”

“Shidou open the *bleep* window!”

Shidou hid himself in the corner of his room curling up in fetal position.

“Never!”

“Ugh move Sae. You *bleep* antenna freak open the *bleep* window!”

Shidou tentatively peeked his head out.

“Rin?”

“Duh who the *bleep* else would it be? A ghost.”

Shidou got up and walked the window and saw Sae and Rin clutching on the brick wall under his window.

“Pft. No. Who believes in ghost. Not me that’s who. Ha… ha.” Shidou answered opening the window.

“You know my doors always open to you Sae. You didn’t have to use the window.” He said offering his hand to Sae. Which Sae looked at skeptically before pushing it out the way and climbing in.

“That doesn’t apply to you so why are you here?” Shidou said pointing to Rin.

Sae tried the door and looked under the door. Then he pushed the chair leg and walked out the room to the bathroom. He jiggled the handle and Kaiser shrieked.

“St-St… ugh! Stop screaming and open the door Kaiser!”

Kaiser stuck his phone under the door and Sae snatched it before he could retreat it.

“There now I… ew. What is on your phone?” Sae held it from the clean side with two fingers.

Kaiser unlocked the door and he looked a mess. His hands and face were covered in beans. He even had some in his hair.

“What the hell were you doing in that bathroom?”

“Nothing!” Kaiser said grabbing his phone and bolting.

•••

Sae was on the screen. He had a bunch of cans and a box of crackers on his lap.

“Found this in the bathroom.”

He said motioning to everything in his lap.

“And this.” Sae held up and empty rice bag.

“Where’s the rice you may ask? It’s soaking in the sink. I don’t even want to know what happened.”

•••

“There’s these big *bleep* dogs in front of our door.”

“Well there’s big dogs outside our door too. So you can go back now.” Shidou said ushering him back to the window.

“W-wait what about Sae?”

“I do. Now lea-ah!” Shidou was knocked off his feet falling hard onto the ground.

A second later a Rottweiler was breathing on his face. Growling ferociously.

“Rin! Rin?”

“Your right I’m overstaying my welcome have fun with Sae!” Rin started running to the window which was a big mistake. The movement caught the dog’s attention and it ran into the back of Rin’s knees knocking him off balance.

Shidou slowly got up of and closed the door successfully trapping the dogs.

•••

Shidou saluted.

“Thanks for taking one for the team Rin. I was wrong about you. You’re a real one.”

•••

Kaiser got up on the fridge somehow and Sae had squished into the highest cupboard. He was laying down fitting through four our them.

The dogs were separated between scratching at the fridge and trying to jump on the counter. With a new target they barked and attacked.

“*bleep*!” Shidou bolted the door and ripped it open to be met with Hirotoshi.

He was in a puffy suit with protection pads on top the suit and a baseball helmet.

“I see you’ve got my gift.” He says gesturing towards the dogs that stood at ease with his presence. “It’s your reward for winning the last challenge.”

“How is this a reward?” Sae asked angling himself to slid out the cupboards.

Hirotoshi looked perplexed at the predicament he found the team in.

“These dogs play a big role in the challenge. You get on their good side your that much closer to another win.” Hirotoshi explained.

“So will they or won’t they attack me when I get down?” Kaiser asked.

“Uh.. next question.”

“I will call you Patrica and you will be mine.” Shidou said petting the Rottweiler as it walked in and out from between his legs.

“Where’s Rin? I heard he was here.” Hirotoshi asked.

•••

“Does it make me a bad person if I say that I forgot he existed.”

•••

“Oh I closed him in with the dog.” Shidou said still petting Patricia.

Sae walked over and opened the door. Rin was kneeling over clutching his crotch and the dog was sniffing under the bed.

“That dog just ended the family tree.”

“It’s not like anyone would want you emo *bleep* anyway.”

“Ohhhh.” Kaiser, Shidou, and Hirotoshi synchronized.

Before Rin could get a retort in Isagi, Niko, Barou, and Charles rushed in.

“The hotel is being overrun we already killed the dogs downstairs let’s get out before a new wave comes in.”

“You what!”

“Potentially saved all your lives.” Barou said wagging his finger in front of them.

“Those were my dogs!”

Barou stepped back.

“This was all Isagi’s idea. Peer-pressure is real. Stay safe y’all. It’s a crazy world out here.”

“Yeah” Charles started. “I was like “this may be someone’s dog Isagi” and he was like “does it look like I give a *bleep* *bleep* *bleep* about that? No! So shut your *bleep* *bleep* *bleep* *bleeep* up.

You know you always hear about bullying but your never expect from the ones you love. If you or a loved one experienced something like this reach out to a trusted adult in your life. Speak up. Don’t live your life in fear.

So Isagi I stand before you on this day to tell you that you don’t run me. I’m not scared of you anymore. You and verbal abuse can’t harm me. I know my worth.”

The room erupted into applause and the dogs barked along.

“Guys you know me. I’m not like that. I-I’m nice. And I never said any of that!”

“Are you trying to gaslight me right now? Trying to invalidate my feelings. Well guess what it won’t work.”

Shidou rushed up and pulled Charles into a big bear hug.

“I’m so proud of you for speaking up against this. *bleep* your about to make me ruin my eyeliner.”

When Shidou put him down Hirotoshi patted his shoulder.

“It takes real courage to speak up against your oppressors.”

“I didn’t do anything! It was Niko’s idea to kill the dogs.”

“I literally didn’t say anything about your abusive tendencies and you come after me! After all I’ve done for you!”

•••

“I hate all these *bleep* *bleeep* *bleep*.”

•••

The setting switched to the living room where they all sat in a circle in the living room. (The couch was moved to the kitchen.) Dog toys were in the middle and they all had a handful of treats. The dogs rotated in a circle so all the teammates could get acquainted will all the dogs. Well almost all the dogs Patrica never left Shidou’s side.

“Eat the *bleep* treat!” Barou yelled trying to get the dog to like him. All the dogs turned up their snout and walked away.

“Fine I don’t like you anyways. Tell your mom I had fun last night.”

“Ew.” Sae said scrunching his nose and scooting away to Shidou’s delight.

“Dude that’s not.”

“It was a joke.”

“You’re an animal-*bleep*?”

“No!”

“You know I did see him look at those fish a little too long.”

Everybody scooted away from him.

“I was trying to see if they were piranhas!”

The dogs rotated and again Barou’s walked away. Rin’s nuzzled into his lap and Patrica transitioned to her back so Shidou could scratch her stomach.

“Everyone knows piranhas aren’t in Chile.” Sae said throwing the toy and watching the bull retrieve it.

“How was I supposed to know that!”

“Dude don’t worry. I get it I mean if Sae was a worm I’d smash.”

“Woah dude. That’s not it either.”

“Stay five feet away at all times.”

“Shut up Rin Rin no one cares about your opinion. You don’t want me to leave do you Sae?” Shidou batted his eyelashes and pouted.

“Do you need to see a doctor? Like a mental psychiatrist?” Niko said.

Shidou rolled his eyes at that. “Watch yourself or I’ll sick Patrica on your *bleep*.”

“Oh me oh my. I’m so scared.” Niko answered cupping his cheeks shaking his head.

“Get his *bleep* Patrica!”

•••

“You know I’ve learned to stay out of these things because somehow I always end up the bad guy. I mean me.” Isagi pointed at himself. “Me. Can you believe that. I’m an angel.”

Editing distorted his voice deepening when he said “I’m an angel.” They added horns to his head and fire from the sides of the screen.

(“You deserved that.” The editor whispered into his pillow that night.)

•••

The dogs now tired of treats began lapping at the beans in Kaiser’s head.

“Stop.” Kaiser said trying to push them away.

“Bite his ugly *bleep* hair!”

Kaiser eyed Patricia warily and decided against saying anything.

•••

“Once Patricia leaves I’ll beat the *bleep* our of that *bleep!” Kaiser said rubbing the patch of hair the dog was tugging on.

•••

“Why didn’t we get on the plane first?” Sae asked as they climbed into the private jet.

The seats were sleek white with tan arm rest. The seats were close together but a whole person could lay infront of a seat and not touch the other one.

Shidou shoved everybody out of the way and sat next to Sae who just rolled his eyes and let it happen. Charles and Barou sat in front of them. Kaiser sat next to Isagi on the other row. Niko and and Rin sat infront of them.

“Because” Hirotoshi answered as they finally buckled up. “Flights make the dogs aggressive.” He said pointing at the cages behind the seats. He then turned and walked into the cockpit shutting the door.

“So strategy.”

Everybody collectively groaned.

“Ugh really Rin. Again?”

“Sae get your brother. I’m begging.”

Shidou unbuckled his seat and went to the back to retrieve Patricia. He let her out and she never strayed from him back to his seat.

“We need strategy. We barely won last time!”

“No what we need is you to shut the fuck up.”

Patricia barked in agreement.

•••

Rin rubbed his temples.

“I swear if we lose because of those little *bleeps*. I mean I thought Sae would at least be on my side but that dumb *bleep* is just ogling at Shidou. And there’s not even much to see.”

•••

“I know Rin is probably talking at this moment about me “ogling” or some *bleep* at Shidou but I wasn’t. I was only analyzing my competition. That’s all.”

Sae turned his face around but you could still see a light pink dusting his face.

•••

The jet dipped up and down and the dogs barked. Patricia growled until Shidou scratched her behind her ears.

“I’m serious we need organization. Did you see the other team. They worked like a well oiled machine. We only won because Shidou cheated!”

“Will you shhhhh! He is right there!” Shidou said pointing to the cockpit.

“Sae back me up.”

“I don’t want to be associated with you. We are not going down together.”

•••

“I hope Sae is the first voted off.”

•••

“I do think we need to organize our team. But… agreeing with Rin right now is basically begging to get voted off.”

•••

They landed somewhere in Mexico 14 hours later. Showered, groggy, and still half asleep Team Villian stumbled out the jet.

Shidou, Patricia, Niko, and Charles doggy piled on the middle of the ground and fell asleep. Sae walked over and leaned against them and soon he was out too. Their snores could be heard as the rest of the team took in their surroundings.

The whole field was carpeted with soft grass except for random patches of dirt. Hills were laid here and there. And animals completed the scene running around ignoring the human spectators.

There were twelve short lines. They were ordered red, white, red, white and so on and so on. Six on one far side of the field and six on the other side of the field.

Large totems with each players face on them stood behind the lines on the right. Lastly two long vans that vertically could be as tall as a three story house.

A plane landed next to theirs. It was old and grubby. Puffing out gray smoke as it touched the ground. It was jerky as opposed to their smooth jet.

Team Hero emerged and as soon as they landed Tokimitsu pushed everybody out the way and vomited. The team huddled around him and patted his back.

“How was your flight?” Kaiser said strutting over smirking.

Reo straightened his back and answered, “It was great thanks for asking.”

Dogs emerged from their plane knocking nearly everyone on their team over. They ran straight into the doggy pile their team had made waking everybody up.

“Who the *bleep* was that!”

“I’m performing an Anaplastic Astrocytoma surgery and forgetting the anesthetic on whoever did that.” Sae said digging the ball of his palm into his eyes.

“I’m in your *bleep* walls. Watch your *bleep* selves.”

“It was the dogs guys.”

Team Villian turned to Barou.

“Get yo sneaky links dude.”

“I thought it was a piranha!”

•••

“You make one joke and your labeled as an animal-*bleep*! One *bleep* joke.”

•••

“Don’t worry. We’ll give you guys some privacy.” Charles joked.

“You signed away your rights to privacy when you signed your contracts. Oh and somebody catch those dogs.”

The pink haired girl jogged in the direction of the dogs carrying multiple leashes.

“Wait what?”

“There’s no time for privacy anyways. You all need to get changed.” Hirotoshi said pushing them toward their respective vans.

“What do you mean get changed?”

“You’ll see.” He said ushering them into their van.

Their van was nice. Clean wooden floors and aesthetically pleasing ceilings. They even had a little relaxing station. It had everything from a couch to a mini-fridge.

Their were six doors. Three on each side with their names on them with a gold star beneath it. A note was on each door.

It said:

If you leave in anything other than what is supplied in the red bucket you’re disqualified from the game costing your team twenty points.

- Hirotoshi & Producing Team

They all enter their room and found that the red bucket consisted of different types of meat. Pork, lamb, steak, fried, boiled, raw. You name it it’ll be there.

•••

“They really don’t expect up to go out on national television. Only clothed in meat.”

•••

“I don’t think there’s enough meat in that bucket to cover this package.” Shidou smirked while cupping his groin.

•••

Rin looked at the screen flabbergasted.

“D-do you- I mean- meat! Really?”

•••

“Mom, Bachira, Dad look away.”

•••

Some chose to stick the pieces of meat on random with things like tape and edible glue (Charles, Kaiser, & Shidou). While other wrapped the meat around a limb individually (Barou, Niko, Rin, Sae, & Isagi).

They all eyed each other tentatively not knowing where to look. Except Shidou obviously who whistled at Sae and looked everywhere.

The meat did nothing to hide them down there. Except the Itoshi brothers who got big slabs of meat and ripped two holes on each side and slid a piece of rope in them and tied the string around themselves.

While everyone’s else was noticeable.

“Dude I didn’t know Germans could have big dicks.”

•••

“Does no one hear him! “ Kaiser said doing multiple hand gestures trying to prove his point.

•••

“I didn’t either.” Isagi said sipping on a Dr. Pepper he found in the mini fridge.

“See!” Shidou said pointing at Isagi. “It’s a known fact Germans are small. So what are you eight? Nine? I’m nine and a half.”

“Are you guys seriously measuring your dicks right now?”

“I’m actually ten.”

“Stop lying dude.”

“Does anyone have a ruler?”

“Why would anyone have a ruler!”

“I have a ruler.”

“My brother is not participating in this right now.” Rin mumbled in to his palm.

Everybody except Rin and Barou huddled in a circle.

Then the huddled erupted into noise.

“I told you! I told yo *bleep* you ain’t no ten inches dude!”

“Y-your not nine and a half your just nine.”

Shidou crossed his arm leaning back and looked at Kaiser condescendingly.

“Really? That’s the best you got?”

“Shut up!”

“Are we not going to talk about how big Sae is?”

“Isagi why the hell are you looking at my man like that?”

“I wasn’t aware he was your man.” Isagi scratched his head and looked around. Asking Niko who was next to him “Did you know” who smartly remained quiet.

“And I wasn’t aware how punchable your face looked til know.” Shidou said stepping up to Isagi towering over him.

Isagi stepped up too.

“Well your not man enough to do *bleep* about Sae so what makes me think your man enough to do *bleep* now.”

•••

“I am man enough to do *bleep* about Sae! I was flirting my *bleep* off since day one! I don’t know what the *bleep* that dude is on but it must be good to get that *bleep* this negligent.”

He grabbed the plunger next to him and threw it breaking something somewhere.

“Seriously give me the name of your dealer dude.”

•••

“We need you both for the next challenge,” Shidou and Isagi both muttered under their breath “some more than others.”

Rin promptly ignored them.

“So don’t screw this up or we’ll find a way to make sure you both go home. So save all that anger for later.”

•••

“Why did I get stuck this *bleep* team.”

•••

“Your right. I’ll just beat you in the challenge and when it’s done I’ll physically beat your *bleep*.”

•••

“You think I’ll get points with Sae for siding with his brother?”

•••

Two knocks were the only warning they got before Hirotoshi barged in.

“The challenge is starting soon we need you out. Now.”

Everybody involved fumbled to cover themselves back up. Except Shidou who made no movement until elbowed by Sae. As they exited the building they saw the other team.

They looked way more out together than Team Villian. The meat looked like actual cloth.

Shidou nudged Charles’s shoulder.

“Dude would you look that the femboys made an alliance.” He said pointing to Hiori, Reo, and Nanase who were huddled together. It was barely noticeable to others.

“I’d smash.”

“Huh?”

“Feminine boys are so fine dude. And it’s not like you can’t talk you like Sae.”

“Hey I never said it wasn’t true.” Shidou said holding his hands up in mock defense.

“Why is my name always in your mouth?”

“Because I love the way it sounds.”

Sae offered no rebuttal but instead trudged to the front of the line a little faster than usual.

Shidou smiled at the minor win and Charles nudged congratulatory. They walked over to the line. All of them standing behind one line.

“So,” Hirotoshi clapped him hand, “Welcome to your next challenge! This will be a test of endurance, speed, and ingenuity. Each of you will stand behind a line. Since Team Hero lost a player one of you have to go twice. You will run from one side to the totems once you make it to the totems you will need to destroy your face. The world is your oyster. But time is money so every thirty seconds you will be appointed ten points. You make it to one thousand your team is immediately disqualified. But the first one to destroy their face will win immunity and can’t be voted off. Oh right,” Hirotoshi smacked his head in mock disbelief in himself. “Did I forget to mention you’ll do all this while chased by hungry aggressive highly trained guard dogs.”

“You seem to be forgetting a lot of things you may want to get that checked.” That earned a laugh from the terrified cast.

•••

“The one time I choose not to fully read the contract. The one *bleep* time!”

•••

“I need the money. Think of the money. I need the money. I got this.” Kaiser sat up and grinned at the camera.

“I got this.” He whispered to himself.

•••

“I’m not letting Sae outdo me. I’m not letting Sae outdo me.”

•••

“I’m not going home because of dogs. Me being beat by dogs? Pft no way in hell. I got this. I totally got this.”

•••

Team Villain stood behind each line. In order from alphabetically.

“Guys remember-“ Rin started.

“Shut the actual *bleep* up and see if you can catch up.”

Hirotoshi stood in the front with a blown horn. A flip clock laid next to him. It said 0:0 on it.

“On your mark. Get set…go!”

Charles got an early lead and Niko was the last. As soon as their feet passed the line they let the dogs go. A chorus of barks and growls could be heard and that drew the attention of other animals.

•••

“This was not in the instructions!”

•••

“Is this allowed?”

•••

“Oh hell no!” Charles screamed bolting towards the van.

“Oh it looks like Team Villian lost a player. That will greatly affect the amount of point their team can score.” Hirotoshi commented.

“Really?” Kaiser yelled before jumping over an incoming dog. The dog jumped and attacked baring it’s teeth. Kaiser adjusted midair causing him to not have enough time to adjust and land flat on his face.

Shidou ran past and laughed haughtily. Patrica right on his toes scaring off the other dogs.

Rin ran along next to Shidou and kicked Patricia in the stomach.

“Patricia!”

“Animal brutality!”

•••

“Rin is making it really hard to acknowledge that we’re related.” Sae sighed.

•••

With that Rin was in first place.

“With an inhumane act of violence Rin is in the lead!”

Rin faltered at that but kept going. Meanwhile Shidou was a sobbing mess above Patrica. He picked her up and she laid limp.

•••

“I will make that *bleep* *bleep* *bleep* loser pay for this.” Shidou said while crocodile tears were sliding down his cheek and landing on Patricia body that was neatly placed in his lap.

•••

With Patricia no longer there the other dogs and animals saw Shidou up for grabs. Shidou stood and ran only stopping when a anteater came up to him. He trotted up to Shidou and rubbed against his legs. Shidou instantly fell in love.

“Patricia 1.0!” He yelled scooping her up and swinging her around. The anteater looked terrified.

“Shidou our the anteater down!” Sae scolded before seconds later eating a face full of dirt. The attacker pounced upon him. Growling from his back.

“Sae!” And the anteater too tasted dirt seconds later. It didn’t trot this time.

The camera swiveled to the van and you could see Charles peeking his hand out.

•••

“Listen,” Charles started with his hands clasped together.

“I’m not saying I’m wrong but Loki I maybe should’ve looked no peeked,” he pondered a second. “Ok no I regret nothing.”

“Yolo. Anyways my life is pretty good.” His face fell. “Wait! No wait-“

And the screen flickered out.

•••

“Get out here you little *bleep*!” Kaiser yelled. His legs stung from that fall and he was stumbling through.

Charles hurriedly closed the door.

•••

“Ugh that little *bleep*!” Kaiser complained rubbing his aching leg.

“He just left us out there! I’m killing him with my own hands if we lose.”

•••

Barou’s lane was free of animals. All of them avoiding him like a plague.

“Where the hell is Isagi?”

“I thought he got eaten!”

“Do we get extra point for that?”

“No you don’t.”

“*bleep* it!”

“Guys help!” Isagi screaming as a Mexican Wolf chased it. He was coming from the direction of the van. The camera zoned it and sa a tuft of blonde hair before the door shut.

“Why the hell were you over there?”

“Does it really *bleep* *bleeep* *bleep* you *bleep* *bleep*? Just hurry up and save me!”

•••

“I made a deal with Charles. I keep him in he helps me get immunity. I’m not in the spotlight but… better safe than sorry.”

He digged in his pocket and fished out some shiny metal things.

“I got hammers? Charles! You *bleep* *bleeep*!”

•••

Charles sat crisscrossed and rocked slowly back and forth.

“The hammers could actually be helpful…if you can find a rock. I can’t necessarily help him cuz if my alli- oops.”

He stopped rocking.

“You didn’t hear that right?”

•••

“Why are you so light?”

“Why’d you pick my up Kaiser? Why will you be forever single? Why do people run when they see your face? Why is the family tree ending with you? Why do you look a mix of a blob fish and turtle dick?”

“*bleep* he came for your *bleep*! Oh *bleep*!” Shidou yelled.

The anteater was back and it brought some friends.

“Sae hold on!”

•••

“Why haven’t I let go yet?” Sae pondered aloud.

•••

“And Rin is the first to the totems! How will he destroy his subpar generic face?”

“Hey!”

“Hello Rin.”

•••

Rin was up close on the mirror his hands pressing and mushing his face. Contorting it in different ways.

“My face is not generic!”

•••

“Think. Think.” Rin muttered to himself. He frantically looked around.

“What is this made of?”

Hirotoshi cupped his hands around his mouth to amplify his voice.

“Your mothers ovaries!”

•••

“Real *bleep* mature. What’s next deez nuts jokes.”

•••

With no other measure of strength on hand he squeezed his eyes and threw a punch.

He recoiled it seconds after. Clutching it tightly in his other hand.

“*bleep*!”

He looked back at the clock 00:13:47. His face scrunched up in thought then he shook his head/thought away and began climbing. Hissing and retracting every time he put pressure on it.

Rin sat on the top onlooking his team and the other competitors. Team Hero still hasn’t gotten a person to the totems. Opting to stay together and help on another. While Team Villain watched out for their selves leaving team mates in the dust.

Niko was the closet he look focused like the only thought in his mind was the totem. Next was Barou who was comically determined to slow down Niko. In fact Rin sat and watched as he threw an anteater.

Isagi and Kaiser were tied with Shidou and Sae. Kaiser and Shidou racing to the finish line as fast as they could with the load in their hands.

•••

“Did you guys see that? He threw an anteater at me! An anteater!”

•••

Barou shrugged nonchalantly.

“I was aiming for the tree.”

•••

“Now that is crazy right baby?”

“Call me baby again and you’ll lose your ability to make one.”

“Your so *bleep* hot when you pout.”

“Isagi that could be us if you’d just be honest.”

“What the actual *bleep* is wrong with you? Like I’m actually asking how many times were you dropped as a child?”

“Had to be held to be dropped.”

•••

“Really! Really?” Isagi said running his hand through his hair.

“Now I look like an *bleep*.”

•••

“Sorry.” Isagi mumbled.

“What?”

“Sorry.”

“Huh?”

“I said I’m sorry!”

A snort.

“I heard you the first time.” He smilied looking down.

Isagi took a swing at his head.

•••

“Why is that little *bleep* dodging? Let me hit you!”

•••

“How the hell did you get that?” Niko yelled stopping momentarily to appreciate the fact that Barou caught a bird.

It’s wings were a blend of the primary colors and its main body was red.

Barou winded up and let go. The bird soared for a second and fell with a soft thud.

“Don’t worry guys the animals were paid actors.”

•••

“Petition to stop animal cruelty anyone?”

•••

“What is the point of a flightless bird!”

•••

A soft rumbling sounded. Like the sound of a phone vibrating in the ground.

“Jaguar!”

Golden fur and black rosettes appeared. It crept slowly on the horizon.

“Trust me I took a class on survival safety. We need to run as fast as we can in sudden jerky movements. Oh and crowd in on your self to make yourself seem smaller.” Kaiser whispered.

“Why the *bleep* are you whispering.” Isagi whispered.

“We don’t have time for your sexual tension *bleep*.” Sae whispered.

Isagi snapped towards Sae.

“What sexual tension?”

“Isagi baby your in love with a German man.”

“Again with the nationality. What does that have to do with anything?”

“Shhhhh.”

“Guys we can talk about this after we run?”

“I really don’t thi-“

“I’ll race you Shidou.”

“Bet and when I win I want a lock of your hair.”

“Deal wait wh-?”

“1. 2. 3. Go!”

And with that Kaiser and Isagi along with Shidou and Sae sprinted across the field grabbing the jaguar’s attention.

•••

“So… I totally wasn’t paying any attention in my wilderness survival classes. At all I didn’t even know it was wilderness survival until three days later.”

He seemed like he was done but seconds before it cut off a soft:

“Ich musste einfach das Haus verlassen.”

Could be heard.

•••

The jaguar kicked its legs in high gear. It’s eyes set on its prey.

Hirotoshi ran towards the hero van and locked it behind him. Leaving the production crew and interns to fend for themselves. They shambles into the other van pushing and shoving and immediately locked the door behind them.

•••

“Bet they wish they’d stay in the van now.”

Charles grinned obviously amused with himself.

•••

“They locked us out!”

“Great *bleep* observation Sherlock!”

“I’m so glad I’m dying with you guys!”

Niko was close enough he jumped. His face banged hard against the totem.

The image rewinded and played in slow motion again.

Ignoring the pain Niko tried to find feet and hand holds. But suddenly he was jerked down. Niko let out a screech thinking it was the jaguar.

Barou smirked triumphantly at the sound before pulling again. Niko hit his chin against Kaiser’s nose before he fell.

•••

“If the jaguars eating him how can he eat me?”

•••

Barou pushed himself up using Niko’s face. Purposely digging his nails in totem Isagi’s eyes and looking down at him.

“The jaguar is right behind us!” Sae said still in Shidou’s arm. He twisted his body so his head was propped on Shidou’s shoulder so he could get a better look.

“I know this is late but can I have your number?”

“You did not just ask that right now!”

“Oh my *bleep* god! Is this our first lovers spat?”

•••

“In the famous words of slursagi ‘What the actual *bleep* is wrong with you’.”

•••

“We’re not going to make it we have to jump.”

Kaiser look at Isagi and looked at the totem.

“What are you thinking about.” Isagi asked tentatively.

“Get ready.”

“For wh-ah!” And he was flung in the air towards the totem. He instinctively held his arm out to absorb the impact but instead was grab a hand full of dirt.

“Ow!” He said stumbling up. He swayed a little due to being lightheaded from the fall.

Kaiser covered his mouth in shock.

•••

“My bad. I really thought I had it.”

•••

The rest of them seeing that fall decided to climb. The jaguar took another leap at Shidou scratching his ankles in an attempt to grab on.

Shidou tripped dropping Sae and looked back at his ankle. Sae sighed before grabbing Shidou and running.

•••

Shidou sighed in this hands.

“When I tell you I almost combu-“

The screen went black cutting him off.

•••

The multiple jaguar was now in front of the camera. The camera shook causing everything to blur. Yellow was the last thing shown before the screen blacked out.

•••

Hirotoshi was on the screen now infront of a red bricked wall. Team Hero was cluttered in the left and Team Villian was on the right.

“Due to some ahem… unforeseen circumstances we will settle this competition with a game of guess what-number-I’m-thinking. Each team may pick one player to represent their teams.

“Rin.”

“Rin.”

“What why?”

“Because we’d be alright if we lose you.”

“No you wouldn’t!”

“Agree to disagree. Now go!”

And just like that Rin was face to face with Reo.

“Ok… I’m ready. Pick a number between one and a hundred.”

“What!”

“8. No wait 60. 21. 86. 45,” Reo mixed his head once in satisfaction. “45 final answer.”

“Rin?”

“Um 69?”

“Ego turn over the board will you?” He asked motioning towards his interns.

Ego flipped over the board showing a big: 60.

Team Villian erupted into cheers.

“Team Villain has won yet again! You may board the plane to our next destination. And Team Hero one of you will be eliminated again. Meet back here in an hours but for now you know the drill. Forage, build, blah blah blah.”

Team Hero stumbled out the room.

Hirotoshi turned away from the team and looked towards the camera.

“Stay tuned for our next episode of Blue Lock: Heroes Vs. Villians!”

Chapter Text

After a humiliating defeat team Heroes find themselves sleeping in the middle of the jungle after their first day.

They laid in a clearing in the woods. Unable to start a fire they had no choice but to doggy pile for warmth. Setting the smallest on top and biggest on bottom.

“Whoever is kicking, stop.” Reo reprimanded, tired

 of being kicked in the face.

“It’s not me.”

“Wasn’t me.”

“Not me.”

“If it’s not you, you don’t have to say anything.”

————-

The screen zoomed in on Reo’s tired face.

“I feel like I’m a *bleep* daycare teacher. I mean we had to eat worms today. Yes *bleep* worms because “oh we can’t kill the animals so let’s starve instead.” He mocked.

He looked appalled.

“Who is we? I have absolutely no problem with it. I'm sorry Bambi but you’re not coming home to mommy tonight.”

————

“You know what it’s fine, just keep using the force of a fire truck to continuously assault my face. I don’t even care anymore.” 

————

“It was me.” Hiori said with a sly grin as he raised his hand.

————

A chorus of stomach growls erupted from the pile.

“D-Does an-anyone have more w-worms? It’s completely f-fine if you don’t I-I was just asking.” Tokimitsu asked.

“I do.” Kunigami offered from next to him holding out a hand full.

Rep slapped the worms out his hands.

“Of my *bleep* god! We are not, I repeat not eating any more worms! I don’t even know if we’re eating the right type of worms for *bleep* sake!”

(*They weren’t.*)

“Well then oh great and mighty Radagon pray tell what should we do eat each other’s *bleep*?”

“Where the hell did you pull that conclusion from? I just meant like eating leaves or something you sick *bleep*.”

“Who the *bleep* just grabbed a handful of my *bleep*!” Kunigami yelped, jumping out of the pile and landing with a resolving crunch.

“Please tell me those weren’t my glasses.” Yukimiya pleaded.

Kunigami slowly lifted his foot up and to his horror sat a pair of broken glasses. The frame twisted from its former circular shape into a sort of weird rectangle. The lenses were either cracked or laying near the crime scene.

——-

Kunigami’s eyes were wide and he fixed his stance on the seat multiple times.

“Well… um… crap.” He ended defeatedly.

———

“Can you see without them?” Kunigami questioned instead of answering.

“No. Why? That doesn't seem like a good sign.”

Kunigami took a deep breath and put the glasses into Yuki’s hand. He clasped his fist around it feeling the altered form of his glasses.

———-

“Thank you Kunigami for single-handedly kicking me out of the competition.”

———

“Why would you only bring one pair?” Reo questioned.

“I didn’t. But my other pair is in my bag. Which they didn’t tell us we weren’t even going to be allowed to use.”

“Ok no problem then. We’ll just get it out of your bag.”

“B-but tha-that’s against the rules.” Tokimitsu pointed out.

“And Kunigami’s a boy kisser anymore obvious facts we need to state.”

“Why am I dragged in this?”

“What he means Reo is that if we get caught we’ll get penalized." Hiori explained condescendingly. 

“Well since Gagamaru is such an important member of this group we’ll leave it up to him. Gagamaru snore if you think we should do it anyways.”

A resounding snore came from Gagamaru who still hasn’t woken up in the midst of all this chaos.

Reo claps his hands together.

“Now that that’s sorted out. We need a plan.

“You know what? You go on and do that. Me and my goody boy rule followers will just rat on you when you get caught. Whoever thinks this is a stupid idea come with me.” Hiroi says standing out the pile on walking over away from Reo.

Tokimitsu immediately followed head down and cowardly hid behind Hiroi refusing to lock eyes with Reo.

Kunigami followed head high.

Yukimiya glanced between the two of them. Well probably trying to atleast his eyes were looking off behind them but well he was trying.

“We’re literally trying to get your glasses back whether you get caught for this or we lose the next round you're done either way. But this way atleast you have a shot to stay.” Reo reasoned.

Hiori said nothing and Yukimiya continued to weigh his choices. 

“Ok.” He said as he slid towards Reo.

Nanase stayed and Gagamaru was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

“We got this.” Reo reassured. “We’ll carry you throughout the game and if we lose I can promise you won’t be the one to go.” Reo stated locking eyes with Hiori.

————

“*Bleep* *bleep* *bleep*!” Hiori cursed as he paced the small room.  

”I thought I had the numbers this time. I didn’t think Yukimiya would be stupid enough to join Reo. It’s 4 to 3. I’m definitely out this round if we lose.“

———-

Gagamaru stirred from where he sat next to Reo. He slowly peeked his eye open.

“Do you guys hear that?” He asked groggily.

“Hear what?”

In seconds Gagamaru was up. 

“We gotta go.” Was the last thing he said before he took off.

Then they heard it. A thundering pounding. The sound was akin to a stampede. 

“Oh *bleep* no!” And Kunigami was halfway up the tree by the time he finished his sentence. Clutching on for dear life.

———

“Listen,” Kunigami started, “I would love to help and normally I would. But I got a lovely, gorgeous, fantastic, smart, and kind boyfriend to get back home to.

 So I can’t be out here dying. Y’all stay safe though.”

———-

“Everybody run!”

Though not nearly as fast as Gagamaru or Kunigami, the rest got up and started running.

They had no idea where they were going they just knew they needed to get away from there. Reo and Nanase helped Yukimiya along the way. 

Finally the stampede arrived around the corner. Bulls, rhinos, and deadly animals galore came charging at them.

———

Hiori took a deep breath before he started talking.

“You know what, maybe my parents' house ain’t that bad.”

———

“I knew I should’ve read that *bleep* paperwork.” Yukimiya yelled.

“Guys I saw this in an American movie. We need to stop drop and roll.”

——-

“You do not know how tempted I was to leave both they sorry *bleep* right then and there.”

———

“Y-yeah no that’s for fires. So from now on let’s just keep our ideas in our heads so we don’t look stupid on National television. Ok? Ok.”

“How about you keep arguing for approximately sixteen more seconds so I watch the stampede trample over you.” Hiori called out from the tree.

“Well maybe instead of being a *bleep* you can, I don't know, maybe help!”

“Nah I’d much rather be a *bleep* safe in a tree.”

Abruptly Reo, Yukimiya, and Nanase hit a solid force and fall back.

“Funny seeing you here.” Buratsuta grinned. “Couldn’t find an alarm clock so I figured a stampede would be the next best thing.” 

Grabbing a remote out of his pocket the animals disappear and they find themselves back in their former position.

“Crazy what you find on Temu these days.” Buratsuta mumbled to himself.

“Wait…where’s Gagamaru?”

“Who?” Buratsuta said as he flicking dirt he collected from his nails.

“The tall one!”

“Oh him? Yeah he sprung up the second we got close so we sedated him and carried him off. Oh by the way I don’t think he’ll be able to participate in the upcoming game.

That *bleep* would NOT go down I tell you. We had to use like six bear sedatatives on that *bleep*.” 

Apparently finding that fact hilarious chucked to himself.

• ••••

“You know what I’m gonna I don’t know burn down a building to get transferred to the Villian Team at this point.

 I mean there’s absolutely no way we’re winning the next round.”

• ••••

The urge to strangle ran around the usually pacifistic group.

“Ok now that you’re up and at 'em time to get ready for the competition!” Buratsuta stated swiftly changing topics.

“It’s literally like midnight.” Hiori tried to reason.

“Yeah and because you guys are losers you’re literally like 12ish hours away.” He mocked. “So get on the plane and win so next time you’ll get more than three hours of sleep.” 

The group collectively groaned as they trotted to the plane leaving Buratsuta behind. Ten minutes later Yukimiya popped a question.

“Does anyone have any idea where we’re going?”

Another collective groan commenced.

• ••••

Eventually they found their way to the plane. If it could even be called that. It was held together with very apparent shiny duck tape. The metal of the plane was rusting and the pilot had gray hair and needed a help getting in the plane.

The inside was not much better. The interior consisted of group seatbelts. The bright red sticking out like a sore thumb in the silver airplane. 

“Yeah I’m sorry but I’m not doing this. I’d literally rather walk.” Yukimiya said refusing to climb up the stairs.

“We cannot lose another player. We’re already two down.” Reo said pushing from behind.

“Nanase help me.” 

Yukimiya gripped the bars to steel himself but that proved to be a mistake. The rusted bars instantly gave up against their combined weight. 

And because gravity is a thing he ended up face first onto the steel stairs.

Groaning he clutched his nose as Reo and Nanase drag him up the stairs. Not particularly softly. Though in Nanase’s defense he apologized every time they hit Yukimiya’s head. Nothing can be said in Reo’s defense.

The rest followed uneventfully up the stairs and settled into their spots. The seats belts seemed to fit three people but room was still left though not enough to fit another person.

Yukimiya, Reo, and Nanase sat together in the first seatbelt neither of the two feeling up to drag Yukimiya more than they had to. Kunigami and Tokimitsu had to try to swell up to fit snugly in the second.

Without any prior warning the air plane ascended causing all its passengers to clutch on for dear life as they started to slowly slide back. The plane ride was anything but comfortable the pilot made sure of it.

For someone so old he flew wild. Any and every way except in a straight line. Zig-zag, loop de loop, you name it. That combined with the lose seatbelts made for nasueaous passengers and loss of feeling in hands.

They clawed their way out the plane grateful to be on land again. Tokimitsu bulldozed his way through to get to a target free zone to vomit. Team Hero crowded around his softly patting his back.

Someone from the other team strutted up to them smirking.

“How was your flight?” He asked cockily.

Reo straightened. 

“It was great thanks for asking.” He smiled and proceeded to watch in amusement as they went down like bowling pins. Dogs running rabid as a girl with pink hair runs after them leashes in hand. 

Too busy watching the dogs go Team Hero is completely clueless as they’re suddenly being herded in a direction. 

“W-wait what’s going on?” Yukimiya asks.

“It’s time to get changed.” He explained exasperated.

“Change. We don’t have a-“

“Oh that’s great. Love that for you. Bye.” Buratsuta said emotionlessly. 

And with that they were left in an RV. A mini one that could fit two adult men comfortably and about three adolescents. So yeah not a great fit. 

Especially not with the giant pile of meat on the floor. On top the pile was a sticky note that read:

“If you leave in anything other than what is supplied on this floor you’re disqualified from the game costing your team twenty points.”

-Hirotoshi & Producing Team

“So you mean to tell me…” Yukimiya started as he eyed the pile of meat on the floor suspiciously.

“I’m more concerned about the fact that if we change in here there’s no way in hell I’m leaving this van without touching a few dicks.” Reo retorted.

“The faster we do this the shorter we have to do this.” Kunigami reasoned.

“I want everybody's eyes up!”

“Twin I am not looking you in the eyes while we’re getting naked.”

“Oh my god you're making this weird.”

“Its been weird.”

“Ok everyone shut up! We’re doing this and not thinking about it!” 

The group spurred into action. Yes, dicks were touched. Yes, someone's elbow prodded someone’s hole. Yes it was uncomfortable but when all is said and done when they left that RV they were better dressed than Team Villain.

A mixture of layering, repair glue they found in a cabinet and melted slime found behind a sofa.

Team Villain looked like the slightest breeze may cause the audience to get flashed.

Apparently capable of superhuman speed what once was bare land has now been transformed into a full challenge layout.

Red spray painted lines gave clear directions of the personal boundaries you were to stay in. At the end of each line was a totem pole with surprisingly good depictions of all of them.

“So,” Hirotoshi clapped his hand, gaining their attention,  “Welcome to your next challenge! This will be a test of endurance, speed, and ingenuity. Each of you will stand behind a line. 

Since Team Hero lost a player, one of you has to go twice. You will run from one side to the totems once you make it to the totems you will need to destroy your face. The world is your oyster. But time is money so every thirty seconds you will be appointed ten points. 

You make it to one thousand your team “is immediately disqualified. But the first one to destroy their face will win immunity and can’t be voted off. Oh right,” 

Hirotoshi smacked his head in mock disbelief in himself. “Did I forget to mention you’ll do all this while chased by hungry aggressive highly trained guard dogs.”

• •••

“Did he just…,” a pause, “now why the hell am I doing this again?” Hiori asked himself.

• •••

“I-I-I am a-abo-about six sec-seconds from peeing m-m-myself right now.”

• •••

“Tokimitsu and Kunigami you go twice since you both have twice the muscle mass that an eighteen year old should.”

Tokimitsu nodded.

• •••

“O-oh man I re-really h-h-hope I don’t m-mess up.”

• •••

“Now onto the gameplan since they weren’t here when we got here they must be mobile. I think the smartest thing to do is set up a sort of domino effect where we get them to tip and crash into each other. The weight of the totem should break it.

Using that logic we go from strongest to weakest right to left. Tokimitsu, Kunigami, me, Hiyori, Nanase, and then Yukimiya. Raise your hand if we go with my plan keep your hand down if we should scrap it.”

Everyone’s hands went up.

Buratsuta stood behind the tote and slightly elevated above them with a blown horn. A flip clock stood proudly next to him. Dominating their view. The clock read 0:0.

“On your mark. Get set…go!”

The entire team kept a relatively stable pace with Yukimiya trailing ahead lightly. 

“Guys I need you to tell me if th-oof!” A dog goes flying for his legs effectively cutting off his sentence. 

The dog turns and prepares to attack again. Nanase grabs Yukimiya’s hand and drags him (again) towards the totems. 

Not at all pleased with being denied his second attack, the dog chases behind them. Kunigami and Tokimitsu have no problems getting through jumping over snarling dogs and dodging quick attacks. 

Though being the people they are, they slow themselves down to help their teammates behind them.

They formed a link of hands and they pulled each other to the totems. Kunigami broke off first when they got closer opting to instead put the plan in motion.

His first instinct was to place his back to the totem and push but after about 30 seconds he realized that’s was going absolutely nowhere.

• •••

“So tiny kink in the plan those things weigh probably 6 tons.”

• •••

Kimi Hamid opened his mouth to speak but got interrupted by Team Villain.

“Jaguar!”

All eyes turned to the direction of the noise and spotted it. Creeping along the horizon stalking it’s prey. 

“Everybody stay completely still.” Rep warned through his teeth. Unfortunately Team Villain did not get the memo. The jaguar's eyes caught the movement and followed in an instant.

“Totems! Go!”

Team Hero scrambled up the podium desperate to get out of harm's reach. They sat propped on top of totems onlooking the predicament Team Villain found themselves in.

More animals were joining the party quickly. Hirotoshi came along in a can urging them to get in. Deeming it safe enough, slowly and quietly they creeped down and slid into the car.

“Wait, where's Reo?”

• •••

Reo was standing patting his legs until he heard a faint ding, satisfied he dug in his pockets and retrieved a pair of black lenses.

“Yukimiya better worship me after this.”

• •••

The camera shook causing everything to blur. Yellow was the last thing shown before the screen blacked out.

• •••

Hirotoshi was on the screen now in front of a red bricked wall. Team Hero was cluttered in the left and Team Villian was on the right.

“Due to some ahem… unforeseen circumstances we will settle this competition with a game of guess what-number-I’m-thinking. Each team may pick one player to represent their teams.”

“I think Reo should have the honor since he’s our leader.” Hiori smiled and shoved Rep towards center stage.

• •••

“Now if we lose there’s one easy vote. Though I still want to vote out Kunigami.”

• •••

“Um okay.” Reo answered suspiciously as he stepped forward until he was face to face with Rin.

“Ok… I’m ready. Pick a number between one and a hundred.” Buratsuta said as Reo approached.

“What!”

“8. No wait 60. 21. 86. 45,” Reo shook his head once in satisfaction. “45 final answer.”

“Rin?”

“Um 69?” He shrugged.

“Ego turn over the board will you?” He asked motioning towards his intern.

Ego flipped over the board showing the number 60 written messily in dry erase marker. 

Team Villain erupted into cheers.

“Team Villain has won yet again! You may board the plane to our next destination. And Team Hero one of you will be eliminated again. Meet back here in an hours but for now you know the drill. Forage, build, blah blah blah.”

Team Hero stumbled out of the room.

• •••

“Oh my *bleep* god I literally said the exact number! The exact number! I actually can’t believe this stupid *bleep*!”

Reo complained, burying his head in his hands.

• •••

“Reo’s going home tonight. Yeah! Reo’s going home tonight!” Hiyori sand drawing out the two syllables of the last word.

• •••

They stepped into the bus. The show’s logo plastered on every open surface of the vehicle. They enjoyed the ride back to their former layout in relative quietness. Elimination looming over their head.

The plains were now clear of animals but the fear of them coming back wasn’t. 

Reo grabbed Yukimiya’s hand as they were leaving the bus and transferred his glasses into his hands.

• •••

Now displaying his signature glasses Yukimiya smiles.

“Reo I swear if you need anything. Anything. I'm your guy.” He promised.

• •••

The bus left as soon as the last person's foot touched the ground. Gagamaru was already there laying in the field without a care in the world. 

Exhausted, the team sat in silence around Gagamaru until Hiyori broke the silence.

“I gotta pee,” he said standing up, “Kunigami’s my partner.”

Kunigami is not really surprised, it’s always either him or Tokimitsu.

The second they’re out of reach Hiyori yanks Kunigami’s arm. Or at least he tries to. Kunigami is unsurprisingly very solid.

Hiyori continues to pull for a few seconds before he gives up completely.

“I have a boyfriend.” Kunigami says, stepping back.

“The only people on this planet who don’t know you have a boyfriend is 20% that’s deaf.” Realizing what he was insinuating he continued.

 “Oh my god! No gross! You th- oh no no no no! No! I would never in a million years. No.”

“Okay I got it.” 

“I mean last person on earth would never. Your boyfriend has absolutely nothing to worry about.”

“Okay! You don’t have to keep going.”

“Why would you think that? I have standards.” Hiyori continued, appalled .

“Okay actually *bleep* you. I don’t have to stand here and take this okay. This is harassment and bullying and I’m telling an adult.” Kunigami said before turning back to camp.

Hiyori grabbed his arm again, still not making much of an impact but it got Kunigami’s attention.

“Don’t go. I didn't call you here to flirt with you. Because ew, gross, re-“

“Is this going anywhere?” Kunigami interrupted.

“But I did call you here to talk. I want to vote Reo out.”

• •••

Back at the campsite Reo idly moved his extended crossed legs from side to side.

“They’re planning something.” Rep says absentmindedly.

“You think?” Nanase asks. He chose to occupy himself by picking flowers and making a crown. Delicately weaving them together. He was making quick progress.

“Definitely.”

“What do you think it’s about?” It’s Yukimiya this time. He’s simply enjoying the peacefulness of their surroundings. Eyes closed as he breathed in the fresh air.

“Probably me. Hiyori wants me gone.”

“How do you know?”

He shrugs uninterested but then his face lights up and a mischievous smile crawls its way onto his face.

“I’m gonna go sneak up on them.” Reo whispers and quietly stands dusting himself off.

Silently he tiptoes into the clearing he saw them enter. The teams’ eyes trailing. When he reaches close enough he steps on a twig amused at the cartoon like separation method the two used.

• •••

“Busted.” Reo singsonged.

• •••

“Holy *bleep*!” Kunigami said, clutching his chest.

“I thought it was a *bleep* bear or something.”

• •••

“So um what are we doing? Watching each other piss? Cuz’ that seems hella gay.”

“No! Nothing gay was happening in this vicinity!” Kunigami defended taking an exaggerated step back from Hiyori.

“Dawg I just want you to know that made this whole situation like ten times worse.”

“I'm not catching any stray cheating allegations! I'm out!” Kunigami said retreating to back to the open clearing.

• •••

“Say what you want about Kunigami’s boyfriend but just know that he bagged a *bleep* that doesn't play about him.” 

And milliseconds before it clicked off, “Nagi notice me” was discreetly whispered.

• •••

“*Bleep* you!” Hiyori said, pushing past Reo and following Kunigami back to camp.

“What’d I do?” Reo said in mock confusion.

• •••

“That *bleep* *bleep*! I *bleep* swear his pisses me off! He couldn’t just let me plot in piece. No! He has to stick his big fat *bleep* nose in it!” Hiyori complained, throwing his arms up in exasperation before sitting back down.

• •••

Strategizing was completely off the table for Hiyori. Reo never let him go anywhere with someone else unsupervised. 

He also made sure to keep a close eye on Kunigami. Flattery with a dash of butt kissing because there is no way Kunigami’s boyfriend is that interesting.

Time for voting came unceremoniously except for Hiyori’s slight tiff on the walk.

• •••

Buratsuta sat on a fallen tree. It seems this time instead of forcing modernity into nature they seemed to let go of the reins.

Trees surrounded them and soft plush green graced their feet. Tan thin cushions were used as seats. 

In front of them was the table. Built messily from wood and fitting in perfectly with the jungle landscape. Slips of paper were stacked neatly on the side and weighed down by a single pen. A traditional molcajete was placed to hold the votes.

Small animals scurried across the forest floor scavenging for food and on the far side of the log a group of ants made their descent down the log with a piece of Burasuta’s chocolate pleasantly pleased with themselves.

Team Hero entered into the clearing tired from their ascent up the mountain. Slowly they drag their feet to the cushions and plot down. The threat of elimination caused them all to feel a little uneasy.

“So,” Buratsuta started, “two loses in a row that’s gotta sting.”

 “Well of course. Loss isn’t something anyone likes. But we try to keep morale up at camp.” Reo smiled professionally.

“It seems like you're the leader of this group?”

“Self proclaimed.” Hiyori adds.

Reo craned his neck to face him.

“Group proclaimed.” Reo corrected.

“All I’m saying is I don’t remember this vote happening.”

“This ‘vote’ happened when you all came to me for ideas at camp, when I took the reins in challenges because no one else did, and when I stood up and helped my teammate while you pussyfooted around!”

“Ok well we clearly have Hiyori and Reo’s side of things. But I’m more interested in your sides. Were you all aware of Reo’s leader status?”

“Um I mean while it wasn’t official we all sort of just know. You know what I mean he’s our go to guy for directions so it just makes sense.” Yukimiya explained.

“And may I add that Hiyori has never opened the floor for anyone to come ask him for help.” Reo chimed.

“Because I don’t want to be leader!”

“Then what the *bleep* is this all about?”

“Tokimitsu you looked stressed back there. Is camp usually this tense?” Buratsuta inquires.

“N-no not re-r-really. T-they al-always bicker b-but it’s n-never like this.” He says keeping his eyes downcast as he fiddles with his fingers.

“Well I’ve been gone and asleep for a long time and let me tell you I have no idea what’s going on.” Gagamaru admits.

“Well it seems you won’t be the only one clueless because this Council has a twist.”

Leaves flutter off the ground as the blades of grass dance due to sudden gush of wind. A helicopter slowly descends down before landing between Buratsuta and Team Hero.

Zantestsu steps out and the helicopter goes back to being a speck in the sky.

• ••• 

“Holy *bleep*! Can we come back from elimination?”

• •••

“Due to incessant threat to sue and enough money to back it up Zantestsu is back. Now before I start this vote so no other mistakes are made: The name you write is supposed to be the name of the person you want to leave. 

Got it Zantestsu.”

“Grab no!”

“You mean ‘got it’?

“Yes!”

• •••

“Wait so you’re telling me Zantestsu voted for himself. But we have the votes at the exact number… that means… Hiyori you *bleep* *bleep*.• Reo sighed rubbing his temples.

• •••

“So due to Zantestsu being brought back in this Council two people are getting voted off.”

• •••

“Oh god no.”

• •••

“Who are you voting for? 

Reo your proclaimed leader who once again was the downfall of this team?

Gagamaru who got himself tranqued giving his team a huge disadvantage?

Zantestsu who wasn’t missed at all during his time gone?

Or Hiyori whose unnecessary drama?

Let’s try to get this done in one vote guys I don’t want to be here all day. The two people who get the most votes are eliminated.” Buratsuta stands from his log and moves to open up the floor for voting.

Hiyori goes first and reveals the name he wrote down. 

‘Reo’ is scribbled down in terrible handwriting.

“I don’t give a *bleep* there’s a high chance I’m going home today anyways.” He whispers. 

Yukimiya goes third after Gagamaru and shows his vote.

‘Hiyori’ is written in picture perfect calligraphy. 

Yukimiya shrugs. “Buratsuta is right. You are unnecessary drama.” He slips his paper inside and goes back to his cushion.

Eventually everyone voted and made their way back to their seats. Buratsuta motioned and an intern appeared out of thin air and put the molcajete in his hands.

He digs his hands inside and swirls it around before producing a paper out of the bowl.

He whistles lowly.

“Very surprising. First vote: Yukimiya.”

“What?” He outbursts, unable to contain his surprise.

Buratsuta ignores him and repeats his former action.

“Second vote: Reo.

Third vote: Tokimitsu.

That’s one vote Yukimiya, one vote Reo, and one vote Tokimitsu.”

Nervously Tokimitsu twiddles his thumbs again.

“Finally.” Buratsuta says relieved. “A double.”

The former names straighten up eager to hear the name written on the slip on paper.

“Fourth vote: Tokimitsu.”

Reo and Yukimiya breathe a sigh of relief while Tokimitsu sinks deeper in his seat.

“It seems Tokimitsu is a possible elimination. 

Fifth vote: Gagamaru.

Oh wow I spoke to soon.

Sixth vote: Gagamaru.

First person voted out of this tribe: Gagamaru. You may head back to camp to pack your stuff.”

The group hugs him and lets him part to grab his things. Nerves were on high. They were one step closer to staying.

Seventh vote: Nanase.

“Eight vote: Yukimiya.

A tie.

 He grabs the slips of paper and hands them to another super powered intern. He then places the bowl back into the table before facing the group.

“In case of a tie we vote again. However you can only vote for Yukimiya or Tokimitsu. And Yukimiya and Tokimitsu cannot vote.” He explains stepping out the way to let them vote again.

• •••

“Has everybody that’s supposed to voted?” Buratsuta asks making his way to the table.

They nod. 

Yukimiya and Tokimitsu could probably fill a pool with their sweat. 

“First vote: Tokimitsu.”

His face fell as the prospect of leaving so early weighed on him.

“Second vote: Yukimiya.

Third vote: Yukimiya.

Second person voted out of this tribe: Yukimiya. You may follow Gagamaru.”

Reo and Nanase hugged him tightly before he left and said their goodbyes. 

• •••

“It really sucks seeing a friend go y’know. I barely knew any of the other ones so it didn’t really matter. But…this one hits different.” Nanase said wiping his eyes.

• •••

“Sure it sucks to go and sure my life would’ve been ten times better after eye surgery. But it was an amazing experience and I’m thankful for it.”

Yukimiya said calmly knowing he’s going to completely freak out when he gets home and never forget how he had a chance to win a million dollars and blew it.

• •••

“It was a really cool experience. I’m going to be telling the story of how I got tranqued so many time my parents are going to wish they did it.” Gagamaru grinned largely unborthed though hints of sadness can be seen.

“Guess this is my last one. Bye guys.”

And the camera clicks off.

• •••

Dejected from Council Team Hero saunters away glad it’s over. But the effects of this Council will be lasting.

Hirotoshi turned away from the team and looked towards the camera.“Stay tuned for our next episode of Blue Lock: Heroes Vs. Villains!"